Priceless Writer - Travel & Recreation

If you thought jumping out of planes, rock climbing, and surfing were extreme in the world of sports – how about the wave of extreme tourism (or shock tourism) catching on around the world? An exploration of this sort of niche travel involves the visitation of "dangerous" places in an effort to test the nerves and gain one of the most exciting rushes of adrenaline in your life.

An increasing amount of people are seeking the never-ending collection of mountains, deserts, caves, and jungles of the world in order to capture their very own slice of immortality. It is the element of risk that generally attracts this type of traveler, who is interested in engaging in extreme sports, such as drifting in the air with the help of a foot-launched power hang glider, wave jumping at tropical locales, or ice climbing under extreme weather conditions.

Usually, these kinds of activities place an individual in the midst of high levels of physical strength, great heights, speed, specialized gear, and fascinating stunts. Adding to the thrill of such extreme adventures is the allure of besting an environmental challenge or obstacle. For example, when competing against other athletes in a game of basketball – there are basics you can always count on that include typical moves, the threat of a foul, or the ticking of the clock.

However, with extreme tourism and sports, there are numerous variables you cannot pinpoint, control, or even count on. In many cases, the weather is uncontrollable and plays an important role in the majority of the sports or activities associated with extreme tourism. One blast of wind, burst of snow, crack in the ice, rush of water, or crumble of the mountain can send you into the arms of danger. This is the sort of uncertainty and challenge that extreme sports enthusiasts (like climbers, surfers, and snowboarders) crave.

Today, extreme tourism is a business greatly expanding throughout destinations, such as Russia, Ukraine, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and even the mountain-dotted lands of Northern Pakistan. For some, industry leaders are only limited by their imagination, creativity, and what Mother Nature has placed before them.

Sound interesting? A couple of exotic and extreme travel suggestions to consider include:

• Brazilian Rope Jumping
• Ice Diving in the White Sea
• Wind Suit Flying
• BASE-Jumping off of a Television Tower
• Zorbing
• Windsurfing Competitions at the Beaches of Eisk
• Cupola Acrobatics – Parachutes
• White Shark Dives in Gansbaai (South Africa)
• Rappelling in South Puerto Rico (Utuado and Adjuntas)
• Tiger Shark Diving at the Farallon Islands – Bahamas
  

 

With an undeniable seductive physical prowess zipping by on a set of wheels, the Roller Girls of Atlanta blend creativity with fascinating alter egos that deliver an entertaining battle of determination and spunk that typically bring sold-out bouts. Since we don't have roller derby teams in my neck of the woods, I thought I'd elaborate on a few points regarding how the game is played.

Each team can only have five ladies on the track at one time. They hold three positions:

·    Jammer - in charge of breaking through the overall commotion

·    Blocker – creates physical obstacles to prevent the Jammer from passing by team members (sometimes knocks opponents out of bounds)

·    Pivot – leads the pack and serves as the last line of defense

Atlanta Rollergirls bouts are held at the Yaarab Shrine Center auditorium in Midtown (400 Ponce De Leon Avenue) for the 2008 season. Tickets are $13 in advance; $15 at the door; and $6 for spectators ages 10 and under. Advance tickets are available here.  

So – what are you waiting for – don’t forget to mark your calendars and reserve tickets for the following bouts:

JUNE 14
Sake Tuyas vs. Denim Demons
Toxic Shocks vs. Visitor

JULY 12
Denim Demons vs. Apocalypstix
ARG All-Stars vs. Fort Wayne Derby Girls

AUGUST 9
Toxic Shocks vs. Apocalypstix
Sake Tuyas vs. Hard Knox RG (East TN)

SEPTEMBER 20
Grudge Match: Battle for 3rd & 4th
Home Teams Championship

If you want to enjoy this exciting sporting event – keep in mind that tickets go fast. Happy Mother's Day, ladies.

Are you a college sports enthusiast? If so, then a visit to the NCAA Hall of Champions (700 W. Washington Street; Indianapolis, Indiana) is a perfect place to catch the record-breakers and memorable moments regarding collegiate rivalries. The exhibit space is filled with interactive kiosks and hands-on exploration. All of the 23 sports played within Divisions I, II, and III competition are represented. Don't forget to take the time to step inside the Hall of Honor to pay tribute to award-winning athletes, such as recipients of the Woman of the Year Award and Theodore Roosevelt Award.

Another fun feature is the 1930s-style gymnasium – complete with tile walls, hardwood floors, and grated windows. You can even try your hand at showing off your jump shot. The museum also offers a Champions Speaker Series, which has seen the likes of Angelo Pizzo (writer and producer of the movies "Hoosiers" and "Rudy"); Doug Williams (Super Bowl XXII MVP); and Pat Williams (Senior VP of the Orlando Magic).

Hours

Mondays – Closed
Tuesday – Saturday (10am – 5pm)
Sundays (12pm – 5pm)
Extended Summer Hours (10am – 5pm) on Mondays

Admission

Adults ($3)
Seniors ($3)
Students ($2)
Children five and under (free)